Jacksonville Beach police issue July 4 traffic, safety plan

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – The Jacksonville Beach Police Department is currently planning the public safety portion of the Stars and Stripes at the Sea Walk July 4th Celebration.

Police said there is specific information regarding the event that will aid in the safety and enjoyment of the event for everyone.

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They said the first issue to address is that of traffic on the day of the event. This is a large event and pedestrian and vehicular traffic are expected to be heavy. As a result, certain travel routes will be limited or blocked entirely to aid in the consistent flow of traffic after 5 p.m. [Click here for map]

  • State Road A1A will have the turning lanes blocked from 10th Avenue North, as far south as 16th Avenue South. This will aid in the main flow of traffic heading north and south.
  • Beach Boulevard will have limitations at Penman Road. The westbound right lane of Beach Boulevard approaching North Penman Road will be a right turn only lane onto Penman. The southbound right lane of Penman road approaching Beach Boulevard will be a turn only lane for westbound Beach. The southbound and eastbound lanes of Penman will be closed.
  • Pedestrian crossing zones for State Road A1A will be at each traffic light along A1A. Traffic control will be provided at those locations to aid in crossing A1A safely.
  • The main travel route for northbound and southbound traffic along the three beach communities will be A1A. A secondary route will be Penman Road to Florida Boulevard, and then to Mayport Road.
  • The main travel routes westbound will be J. Turner Butler, Beach and Atlantic boulevards. A secondary route for westbound traffic will be Wonderwood Drive.

The following is a list of prohibited items or actions:

  • Fireworks: Please be aware that many consumer fireworks are not legal in Florida/Jacksonville Beach.
  • Legal Fireworks: Consumer grade fireworks permissible for use in the state are generally classified as sparklers, fountains, and novelty fireworks that do not explode, spin or fly through the air. Furthermore, state law requires the purchaser of any consumer fireworks be at least 16 years old.
  • Illegal Fireworks: Firecrackers, ground spinners, Roman candles, rockets, bottle rockets, mortars, and others that explode spin or fly. Illegal fireworks will be confiscated and place the owner subject to penalty.
  • Good Advice: Even legal fireworks, commonly called "Safe and Sane," emit extremely hot sparks that may exceed 1,200 degrees, so please do not ignite fireworks in crowded areas such as the beach. Please remember to collect your trash and dispose of it properly in the receptacles provided at each walk over. Trash left on the beach creates a hazard for others as well as to the wildlife that inhabits the area.
  • Alcohol: Please understand that it is illegal to drink alcohol in public in Jacksonville Beach. Violators will be subject to arrest.

Everyone visiting the city for Stars and Stripes at the Sea Walk is asked to please remember it's a family event. There will be numerous law enforcement agencies on hand to aid in keeping it a fun, safe environment for all. Updates will be provided on the city's website.